The other day I was driving on the highway that was very crowded and I thought, “where are all the people going and what is their purpose?” Do they have a purpose or is it just survival?
The definition of purpose:
To intend or resolve. End or aim desired.
Purpose is a fundamental characteristic of man and is essential for life. It is what our life is about. It is the reason we live and function as human beings. To have a purpose is to have a life, and not to have a purpose is disastrous.
Successful people have a clear, strong sense of purpose. They know where they are going (in life), and they know how to get there and the cost of getting there. We are not born with a purpose, we are born hungry. But, purpose comes later as we grow and mature.
A man wrote a book once, and asked two questions.
What are we suppose to be doing and how well are we doing it? His name was Joe Ellis. He was writing to the church but these two questions apply to everyone in life. Without purpose a person is like a boat drifting without power in the open seas.
But, it’s the way you see life that shapes your life. How you define life determines your destiny, according to Rick Warren in the “Purpose Driven Life”.
So, that is the real question; how do you see your life? Do you have purpose? Does your life count or matter? What have you invested your life in or for?
When you die, what will people say about you? But better yet, what will people know about you?
The greatest waste in this life is a wasted life. We only have so many years to live on this earth, and we don’t get back wasted years. People without purpose are wasters of the greatest gift of all- Life. We only get one life and it goes fast.
Your purpose becomes the driving force of why you are alive. This purpose will reflect your basic values and convictions. Purpose becomes our reason for living. So you see, if your purpose is wrong your life will be wrong.
Too many people I have met in my life say that their purpose in life is just to make money, lots of money. They are miserable but they have money. That’s not a real good purpose for life.
When we become Christians something wonderful happens. We get a new purpose. Now God is our purpose. He puts new meaning and purpose in our lives. Our job, our money, our position, our tithes, our education, where we live, etc, are no longer our purpose. We are not the purpose, but God is. Now life has a new meaning.
Your purpose in life is far greater than your achievement or your personal fulfillment. God becomes the center of your life. We learn three Biblical truths as Christians. Life is only a test. Life is a trust, and life is temporary. We also learn that the real purpose is who you are, not what you do. Our purpose is to find peace and joy. Our purpose is to glorify God by helping others and sharing our blessings. Have you found your purpose yet? Don’t wait too long!
Chaplain Bud,
Christian Church at Cogan Station